Category: Humanities

How a Bill becomes a Law

In a 5-6 page paper, describe how a bill becomes a law. Please include references to back up your statements. All steps in the legislative process should be discussed and explained.

In applying how a bill becomes a law, research the Stolen Valor Act and identify all of the steps in the legislative process for the passing of this particular law. Note that the current law was not the first proposed bill before it was finally signed into law in 2013. Make sure that you compare the different versions of the bill that were presented to the House and Senate and explain why it died in the Senate, and how it was finally passed and signed into law.

Your analysis should also include the intention behind the bill, the success of the final bill, and how the goals of the initial proponents were impacted by the political process.

Language vs. language

Chapter 1 of What is Morphology? examines the concept of “Language” (capital “L”) versus “language” (small “l”) and Universal Grammar. What do these concepts mean to you? Why is it important to make the distinction between Language and language? How does this distinction apply to your understanding of morphology?

Must use one scholarly resource and at least 300 words.

What is a Word?

Chapter 2 of What is Morphology? begins by pointing out that the precise definition of a word is actually somewhat elusive. Discuss each of the various approaches to defining a term, as well as the limitation of each. What do you think is the most effective way to define what a word is? Does a precise definition matter anyway?

 

Must use text title to as a source and intext citation. At least 300 words

Derivation vs. Inglection

Linguists have traditionally made a clear distinction between derivation and inflection in morphology, and What Is Morphology? takes the same approach. In reality, however, the line between the two can be blurry at times.

First, describe in your own words how to distinguish between derivation and inflection in morphology and provide examples. Then, think of at least two instances where an inflectional suffix does, in fact, change the part of speech or meaning of a word. (For example: ash—ashes. In this case, the word “ashes” can refer to a person’s cremated remains, which has a distinct meaning from the common use of “ash.”) Do you think this causes a significant problem for the distinction between inflection and derivation?

Mental Lexicon

Chapter 8 of What is Morphology? examines the field of psycholinguistics and the study of the mental lexicon. First, describe how the study of morphology can help researchers understand exactly how the mental lexicon functions. Next, in addition to the rote recognition and rule-based recognition systems explained in What is Morphology?, discuss some of the other ways the mental lexicon might possibly be organized (e.g., by sound or part of speech) and provide examples for each. Use additional sources in addition to the required textbooks to support your response.

Constituency Tests

Chapter 3 of Syntax: A Generative Introduction talks about four tests that help us determine whether or not a group of words functions as a constituency. First, briefly describe in your own words how each of the tests works. Then, for each of the sentences below, state whether or not you believe the sequences of words in the brackets are a real constituent, and which constituency tests you might use to determine this. Be sure to provide examples which show your reasoning.

  • Suzanne gave [the minivan to Anna].
  • John got [a passionate love letter from Stacy].
  • He blew [up the building].
  • He [turned off] the light.

Support your claims with examples from required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references

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